The government on Monday said it is reviewing electricity meter rental charges following widespread public concern over higher June electricity bills, while insisting that most increases resulted from the revised tariff and higher electricity consumption rather than faulty meters.
Officials also acknowledged that a limited number of bills contained clerical errors, which are being verified and corrected.
The remarks came at a press briefing at Bidyut Bhaban in Dhaka, where Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahrukh outlined the government's position on the June 2026 electricity bills, meter rental charges, and the current administration's priorities for the power sector.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit, Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) Chairman Md Rezaul Karim, and Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) Chairman Major General SM Zia-ul-Azim were also present.
Mahrukh said the government had taken note of media reports and consumer complaints on social media about unusually high June electricity bills.
She said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was also closely monitoring the issue.
Following the complaints, electricity distribution utilities launched immediate investigations, with most cases already resolved, she said.
The secretary warned that strict administrative action would be taken against any official found responsible for negligence or consumer harassment.
Responding to growing public demands, Mahrukh said the government is reviewing its meter rental policy and that a decision will be announced soon.
She said six electricity distribution companies offer meters either through a one-time purchase or an installment plan. Consumers who purchase meters outright do not pay monthly meter charges, while those opting for installments currently pay Tk40 a month for single-phase meters and Tk250 for three-phase meters.
She added that four distribution companies also allow consumers to purchase approved prepaid meters independently.
Explaining the increase in electricity bills, Mahrukh said the revised electricity tariff took effect in June 2026. However, lifeline consumers and households in the first residential tariff slab continue to pay the previous tariff to protect low-income customers, while efforts have been made to keep the impact on other consumers manageable.
She said prepaid electricity users now receive fewer units of electricity for the same recharge amount because of the revised tariff, meaning they must recharge more frequently to consume the same amount of electricity. As a result, many consumers believe additional money is being deducted, she said.
Addressing allegations of faulty meters, Mahrukh said there was no technical basis to conclude that meters which had accurately recorded consumption for years would suddenly become defective immediately after the tariff revision.
"In most cases, the increase in bills is attributable to the new tariff, not meter malfunction," she said.
She also attributed higher electricity consumption to the summer heatwave, below-average rainfall, the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, the ongoing FIFA World Cup, and the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations, all of which kept people at home for longer periods.
Greater use of air conditioners, fans, refrigerators, and other electrical appliances also pushed many households into higher tariff slabs, resulting in larger bills, she added.
The Power Division acknowledged that some bills contained clerical errors and said they were being reexamined and corrected where necessary. Officials added that many consumers had expressed satisfaction after receiving prompt resolutions to their complaints.
The government said it continues to subsidize the power sector while working to improve generation, transmission, and distribution efficiency, reduce system losses, and expand the use of smart and prepaid meters.
The briefing also highlighted changes to late-payment penalties. Previously, overdue bills incurred a 2% monthly compound surcharge. Under the revised policy, consumers will instead pay a one-time surcharge equal to 5% of the total electricity bill.
The Power Division urged consumers with concerns about their electricity bills to contact the customer service centers of their respective distribution companies. Authorities said arrangements have been made to inspect meters, review bills, and resolve complaints where necessary.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to protecting consumers, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply, and maintaining the long-term financial sustainability of the power sector, officials also urged journalists and content creators to verify information before publication and called on the public not to be misled by rumors or misinformation.